Here is Part 2 regarding whether Twilight is appropriate for middle school.
Thanks!
Amy Palaia, LMS
2Rivers Magnet School
East Hartford, CT
apalaia@crec.org
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Twilight has been THE most popular book in my library for
the previous two school years, and this year it continues to be the most
popular book. I resisted reading it that first year, because I am more of
a realistic fiction reader, not so much into fantasy and science fiction.
The students, both girls and boys, in all grade levels pestered me so much
about it that I finally took a copy home one weekend and read it. I
couldn't put it down and finished it in about 4 hours. I did not see
anything untoward in that book that I would hesitate for the average 6th grader
to read. However, I am constantly repeating to our students my
"speech" about how all families are different and have different
expectations and standards for their children. I emphasize to them that
if they ever check out a book, and upon reading it, feel uncomfortable about
anything in the book, to please return it right away and check out a new
book. We have had no problems with Twilight, New Moon, or Eclipse.
Many of our teachers have read Breaking Dawn, and felt that it was Ok for our
library; again, I will continue to tell them that it is perfectly OK to return
a book that makes you feel uncomfortable or that you just don't
like!
While I do enjoy the Twilight books, I am one of those rare people who never
could get into the Harry Potter series. But, I think both of those series
of books have turned non-readers into avid readers!
Debbie Dougharty
Librarian
First Colony
Middle School
dougharty1@hotmail.com
Debbie.Dougharty@fortbend.k12.tx.us
“ . . . And every one of them words rang true and glowed like burnin'
coal. Pourin' off of every page like it was written in my soul from me to
you."
from Tangled Up in Blue by Bob Dylan
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I have Twilight (and the whole series) in my 6-8 grade
school. Twilight was named to the Texas Lone Star list a few years
ago. This list is for middle school students and must be reviewed for
grades 6, 7, or 8. I've had students (boys and girls) in all 3 grades
read it and a 7th grade English class study the book. I've yet to receive
a complaint. My teachers and staff are devouring it as well.
Jennifer Smith, read.junkee@gmail.com
Librarian, Legacy Middle School
San Antonio, TX
Texas Lone Star Reading List Chair
2007-2009
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I am a small M. S., also 6-8, and have a good friend at our
public
library who highly recommended the first three. I now have 6 copies of
the first book and three of the others.
I did add Breaking Dawn and
discuss it with any who check it out.
I'm so proud that I have
students who are willing to read three LONG books to even get to the
4th, I wanted to make it available.
Melissa Eddy
Wainwrigh M. S.
Sent from Melissa's iPhone
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I have it in my library -- I read it first because of the
reviews but found
it perfectly acceptable. I can't keep it
on my shelves ( I have 3 copies
and have had 2 others stolen).
Paige Ysteboe
Media Specialist
Western Middle School
2100 Eldon Drive
Elon, NC 27215
(336) 538-6010
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Hi Amy,
I have the entire series in my library.
Breaking Dawn, however, is onlyallowed for 8th graders unless they have
a parent consent form stating they are allowed to check out YA books, which
hasn't been a problem for any parent. I
am currently carrying over a dozen copies of Twilight and it's still not enough
to meet the demand. I've had no
complaints and the best part, I bought the series in Spanish and one of my
student's mother, who is Hispanic has checked them out so she can read them as
well.
Hope this helps.
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I know at least one middle school library in our district
has the whole set, although I think #4 is a bit much for middle school. I must
say, a previous 5th grade, struggling reader who is now in 6th is almost done
with the book. Twilight has proven to be that one book that has enabled her to
see the pleasures and joys of reading. I, personally, think you should carry
it.
Christine Rayl, Librarian
Bowie Elementary
Grand Prairie ISD, TX
Reading is not a duty, and has consequently no business to be made
disagreeable.
Augustine Birrell
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I know at least one middle school library in our district
has the whole set, although I think #4 is a bit much for middle school. I must
say, a previous 5th grade, struggling reader who is now in 6th is almost done
with the book. Twilight has proven to be that one book that has enabled her to
see the pleasures and joys of reading. I, personally, think you should carry
it.
Christine Rayl, Librarian
Bowie Elementary
Grand Prairie ISD, TX
Reading is not a duty, and has consequently no business to be made
disagreeable.
Augustine Birrell
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I have had the exact same experience so I'll be interested
to know what responses you get. I'm in a
public school so taxpayers might care, but no one's really ever looked at my
books/budget for awhile. Kids do ask
for it though
Meg
Hawkins MLS
Librarian
Darby Township School
1-8
Glenolden PA
caughey195@yahoo.com
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Amy, I have all 4 books in my 6-8th grade school. Originally
I planned on just the 8th graders being attracted to it. This year, I had
incoming 6th graders who had already read the first 3 books, waiting to read
the 4th. I read the 4th and debated about it but ended up adding it as well. My
parents/students who would object just don't read them and don't cause any
problem about other students having access, just like Harry Potter and any
other books with magic, etc. I feel like any student that is not mature enough
to handle them, probably won't even read through the first one or two because
of the length and their lack of interest in the relationship aspects. Our
waiting lists are long for all of the books.
Sandra Carswell, Librarian
S.C. Lee Junior
High School
1205 Courtney Lane
Copperas Cove, TX 76522
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I have the entire series...multiple copies...I'll be
interested in your responses
Kaye
Kaye Wyly
Sequoyah Middle
School
Broken Arrow, Ok
kwyly@baschools.org
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We have all four of them and I haven't had one complaint
from parents or admin. Our teachers are as enthralled with the books as the
kids are. We are a 7th and 8th grade middle school. I actually think the
reading level is rather low and although there are a lot of sighs and dramatic
moments in the books, I don't think they're too intense for middle school. But
if you don't feel comfortable having them in your library, just remind your
students that the book is available to them at the public library. I use that
response whenever the kids ask for a book that I don't think is right for my
library. They very often ask for A Child Called It, I Spy books, and Where's
Waldo. I tell them to get those books at the public library. It's a great way
to get kids to use the public library.
Jan Birney, Library Media Specialist
Jockey Hollow
Middle School
365 Fan Hill Rd
Monroe, CT
06468
203-452-2905 ext 6339
jbirney@monroeps.org
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I'm with you on this one. My school has grades 5-7 and
I've had requests for it from my 6th and 7th graders. I always explain to
them that the reviews are positive, but that the book is recommended for grades
9 and up. I also explain that, while I don't feel I can put it in our
library, if they really want to read it, the public library and the bookstores
all carry it. They seem to understand and will check out something else.
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Dear Amy,
I have multiple copies of each title and would not ever
consider not having the series in my library. It's quite innocent up until
Breaking Dawn. Each community is different and you know your school better than
anyone. I purchase some "edgy" books because that is what the kids
really want-it's all much better than what they are watching on TV and in the
movies. By having what they want (within reason) the library is viewed by them
as relevant. BTW, I do not have Gossip Girls (no redeeming literary value in my
opinion) and got rid of all of the copies of them when I took over this job 3
years. Good luck in deciding.
Amy Ipp
Millburn Middle
School
Millburn NJ
LU83@aol.com
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i have it in my library, 2 sets :-)
Kimberle Madden
Librarian
Oaklyn Public
School
856-858-0335 ext. 110
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Amy:
We have had in our middle School library from the start. We are in a very
small conservative community and we have had no problems. In fact the
middles school and high school share copies when one of us is out.
Joleen Waltman
Aberdeen High School
Aberdeen, ID
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Good morning,
I have done what you have done about Twilight.
Please post a hit as I'd like to know what other Middle School
librarians have done.
Barb
Barb Schmitt
Gananda Middle School
Library: GAS
Gananda Central School
1500 Dayspring Ridge
Walworth NY
14568
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We are 7-12 and have just as many jr. high as sr. high
students reading the whole series.
Ann Jantzen, Media Specialist
South Central Jr. Sr. H.S.
6675 E. Highway 11 SE
Elizabeth, IN 47117
jantzena@south.shcsc.k12.in.us
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Yes, I have all the books in my 6-8 middle school
library.
Jill Brandon, Librarian
O'Banion Middle School
Garland, Tx 75043
jbrandon@garlandisd.net
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Amy,
We've got all four in our library (although Breaking Dawn requires a permission
slip) and Twilight is even on our state book nominee YA list. We have 10 copies of
Twilight and five of the
other titles and they all currently have wait lists. We even have parents sending
students in to
get the books so that they can read them together! I would say go for it.
Lisa Stokes
Librarian
Gretna Middle School
Gretna, NE
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Great series. I have them in my middle school and
can't keep them on the shelves. Teachers are reading them
too. I have Breaking Dawn and IMHO it is fine for this
age.
Mindy Linthicum, LMS
Newman Middle
School
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Amy:
I have a grades 1-8 library. I have a very small section for middle school
because we are cramped for space. I, too, have had students reading the
Twilight series (last year, a 5th grader had it). But I will not buy it for the
middle school because I really don't think it's appropriate. As you said, the
romance is intense and inappropriate for such young students. Also, I have not
seen anyone talk about the end--the vampire fight. Talk about a bloody mess! I
don't think anyone in elementary or middle school should be reading that. If
their parents want to buy it for them, or allow them to get it at the public
library (we are rich in public libraries here), then fine. But not for the
school library.
Charlotte
Charlotte Snyder, Librarian
Waldorf School of Baltimore
4801 Tamarind Road
Baltimore, MD 21209
csnyder@bcpl.net
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I have three copies of each, and a waiting list for each
copy. It's read mostly by my middles. We're 7-12 grade.
Teri Padua / Media Director
Northwestern Regional MS/HS
Winsted, CT 06098
tapadua@yahoo.com
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From: aappleberry@hotmail.com
To: hillamy21@hotmail.com
Subject: RE: GEN: Twilight in Grades 6-8 school?
Date: Mon, 24 Nov 2008 17:45:29 +0000
I think the first two books in the series are fine for middle school.
When I bought Eclipse I was a little nervous about it but it has gone over
fine. I have decided not to have Breaking Dawn. I try to suggest
students read the series in order when they try to check out Eclipse first
because most of the time only the die-hard fans are going to get all the way to
Eclipse and then they are ready for it anyway. I would definitely read
them for yourself and get your own opinion. That's the only way to truly
know.
Amy Hertzberg
Nevada Middle School
Nevada, MO
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We have them in our library, with no complaints.
We are a 7-9 junior high.
Gregory Taylor
Hillside JHS
Boise, Idaho
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Hi, I don't have the Twilight series yet, but I am
ordering it for my 4th-7th middle school. However, I am going to be starting a
YA section and the students will have a parental permission form signed before
they can check them out. Our school has just gone to the 4th-7th grade this
year and will be 5th-8th next year, so I am having to start ordering older
books and it is a delima. I don't think that my 5th graders need to be reading
the same maturity levels as my 7th graders. I'm hoping that having the YA with
permission forms will solve my problem. Our school at the beginning of each
school years sends all the forms home with the students in a packet to sign and
I will be sending the forms out with those.
Mary Taylor
Holdenville Public Schools
Holdenville, OK
mtaylor@holdenville.k12.ok.u
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I don't have Twilight in the grade school. I don't even let my middle schoolers
check it
out. Same thing with Gossip Girl, The IT
Girls, and several other books. My
reasoning? The main characters are all
in high school or older. I have no
problem making my younger kids wait until they are more nearly the age of the
main characters. This takes care of the
"problem" of age appropriate subject matter in books. It also
probably saves me some grief from parents where the "wrong" kid had
the book. I've said this before. I put each book where I'm willing to defend
it. Personally, I couldn't defend many
of these titles to an unhappy middle school parent. If I worked in a public
library, I would feel
completely differently. Unfortunately,
in a school, parents think we are going to instill "their" values
into their children. If we cross that
line (very squiggly) we find ourselves in hot water. I guess what I'm saying is
that, if you have
to question whether or not to put a book in the middle/grade school, perhaps
you shouldn't. Just my opinion. That's my story, and I'm sticking to it!!
Currently reading "The First Part Last"Janet Perry, Prek-12 Librarian
Cerro Gordo CUSD 100, Cerro Gordo, IL
perrybros@hotmail.com
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